People leave their home countries for a variety of reasons. New job, marriage, education, adventures or a fresh page in life to start everything from scratch. It is both exciting and overwhelming to move to a whole different country. Aside from packing and paperwork, there are so many things that you need to research. Language, culture, currency, job, legal requirements, healthcare, and many other things. If you are reading this article then you hold the ticket to Dubai and want to know a little more about the city. While, I would love to cover all of this, for now, I will focus on one aspect and give you a guide to healthcare. Stay with me to learn what you need to have or do as an expat in Dubai to get healthcare.
The healthcare regulations for foreigners
Several years ago Dubai had an open-door medical services policy for foreigners, however, the privilege stopped in the 90s. Hospitals were packed with foreigners and there was no room left for the locals. Thus, the government decided to modify the regulations on insurance but still keep it mandatory. It does not matter if you’re a local or an expat, if you work in Dubai, your company has to provide you with healthcare, keep in mind that only for you and not your family.
Expats can also buy private insurance packages, they also are allowed to apply for a health card. For the latter, they have to submit an application to the Ministry of health. The advantage of a medical card is that you can use it in an emergency given that you physically have the card with you.
Medicine in Dubai
You might not need a serious medical treatment, but pills for headaches are going to be necessary every now and then. The Health Ministry is very strict on what kind of medicine expats can bring into the city, the supply has to for maximum 3 months or 12 months with a special letter from the doctor. If you need medicine, which is prohibited in the city or permitted with a special prescription, you will have to contact the Customer Service Centre of the drug control department to get guidelines.
Healthcare sector is not so complicated in Dubai. Once you have an insurance, you can be sure that in case of a problem, the doctors of Dubai will take a good care of you, without skyrocketing bills.
